Anyone thinking of adopting the latest celebrity dog breed -- popularized by U.S. President Barack Obama -- needs to get to know them first, says a leading breeder from Duncan.
Bo, a Portuguese water dog, melted hearts of dog lovers around the world this week when he moved into the White House to join Obama's family. Pictures of the six-month-old pooch looking like a cuddly stuffed animal and dragging Obama family members around the lawn were picked up by countless news organizations.
The attention focused on Bo has sparked a number of inquiries to Vancouver Island breeders of Portuguese water dogs. Mavis McClintock's "phone was ringing off the hook," with calls for puppies coming from as far away as Nova Scotia and Montreal.
McClintock, who runs Samador Portuguese Water Dogs, is president of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada, and judges the dogs at shows as well.
These medium-size dogs, which traditionally travelled with fishermen, are intelligent, and independent but don't like to be alone, said McClintock. "This dog, for 1,000 years, has lived with people ... They are not a dog that works for a family that is away a lot."
They also have no road sense, McClintock said. "They came from the beaches of the Algarve to the show rings of North America."
Puppies typically cost about $1,900 each, and the dogs live about 12 to 14 years. Genetic testing is used to screen for health problems, although McClintock said the dogs "generally stay very healthy."
Their coats are hypo-allergenic to many and non-shedding, but grow constantly, so McClintock recommends professional grooming sessions every six to eight weeks.
Portuguese water dogs are adaptable, she said. "Dogs that are placed in active families virtually always do very well."
They are natural water lovers -- in fact, breed-specific water trials are held for these dogs.
At Commocean Portuguese Water Dogs, at French Creek near Parksville, breeder Lorraine Davidson said she's also getting more inquiries.
This breed is fun and good with children, but needs exercise and direction, Davidson said. "They have a lot of character and personality."
Don't let them get bored, though, she said.
Her dogs have stood on their hind legs, put their front paws on counters and surfed along to find food. "They demand a lot of attention."
cjwilson@tc.canwest.com
